In many places, the management of COVID-19 has been seriously hampered by the inability of patients to find beds. With hospitals filled to capacity, patients must take steps to care for themselves at home, and this includes the use of an oxygen concentrator at home.
An oxygen concentrator uses air to filter oxygen and is the best solution for supplying oxygen in the home. Patients access this oxygen through a mask or cannula. It is generally used for patients with respiratory problems and with the continuous crisis of COVID-19, can be very useful for patients whose oxygen levels drop.
“A concentrator is a device that can provide oxygen for hours, it doesn’t need to be replaced or refilled with anything. However, to help people with oxygen supplementation, it is necessary to know the correct way to use an oxygen concentrator, ”said Dr. Bela Sharma, Additional Director of Internal Medicine, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram.
One point to remember is that one should use a concentrator only when recommended by a physician. Oxygen levels are determined with the use of a device called a pulse oximeter. If the oximeter indicates that one’s SpO2 level of oxygen saturation is below 95 percent, supplemental oxygen is recommended. The advice of a professional will provide more clarity on how long the oxygen supplement should be used.
How to use an oxygen concentrator
Step 1: While in use, the concentrator should be kept one foot away from any object that may appear to be an obstruction. There should be a 1 to 2-foot clearance around the oxygen concentrator inlet.
Step 2: You need to connect a humidification bottle as part of this step. It is usually prescribed by a professional if the oxygen flow rate is greater than 2 to 3 liters per minute. It is necessary to place a screw cap on the humidification bottle at the outlet of the oxygen concentrator. The bottle should be rotated until it is securely attached to the outlet of the machine. Please note that you must use filtered water in the humidification bottle.
Step 3: Then the oxygen tubing needs to be connected to a humidification bottle or adapter. If one is not using a humidification bottle, an oxygen adapter is used to connect the tubes.
Step 4: The concentrator has an inlet filter that removes particles from the air. This must be removed or changed for cleaning. Therefore, it should always be verified that the filter is in place before starting the machine. The filter should be washed once a week and should be dried before use.
Step 5: The concentrator should be turned on 15-20 minutes before use as it needs time to start cycling the correct concentration of air.
Step 6: A hub consumes a lot of power, therefore an extension cord should not be used to power the device, it should be plugged directly into a power outlet.
Step 7: Once the machine is turned on, you can hear the air being processed out loud. Check if the machine is working properly.
Step 8: Make sure to locate the liter control knob before use. It can be marked as liters per minute or in levels of 1, 2 and 3. The knob should be set according to the prescribed liters per minute.
Step 9: Before using the concentrator, check the tube for kinks. Any obstruction can cause insufficient oxygen supply.
Step 10: If a nasal cannula is used, it should be adjusted upward in the nostrils for high oxygen levels. Each tooth should curve up into one nostril.
Also, make sure the room doors or windows are open so that fresh air continues to circulate in the room.
She is a freelance blogger, writer, and speaker, and writes for various entertainment magazines.